Homework Due Week of Sept 30-Oct 4

Seniors,

We will be working with a new book for the next few weeks, that we will explore and digest the information while being critical of what is being said, and who is saying it. The book, The Assault on Reason, is written by Al Gore (Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Ex- Vice President under Bill Clinton, and Democratic Presidential Nominee in 2000).

Your homework assignments will always be assigned according to whether it is your first class of the week (Monday through Wednesday) or second class of the week (Thursday or Friday).  Pay close attention to which class the assignments are due.

1st Class Homework: (Due for class on Monday-Wednesday Sept 30-Oct 2)

Read the Introduction Chapter of The Assault on Reason, it is attached to this email in PDF format.  Also, have preparedtwo questions about the reading, as well as one interesting observation about the reading.  The questions and observation must be critically thought out, as I will be calling on students to share their questions and observations.

You do not need to hand in the questions and observation, but be prepared to be called on to answer what they are to the class.

2nd Class Homework: (Due for class on Thursday or Friday Oct 3-4)

Current Events 2-

Type, print, and staple together your new Current Events assignment for the week.  The format and template can be found in your syllabus and on the blog.

HOMEWORK FOR WEEK 9/16-9/20

Seniors,

Here is the homework due for next week for my class:

***CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR PDFs OF THE READINGS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A BOOK***

DUE FIRST CLASS MON-WED (16th-18th):

Read the Introduction chapter of your textbook, Lies My Teacher Told Me (PDF is attached below).  While reading this short chapter, considering the things that you have seen inside textbooks.  Have you ever flet like you were not learning the whole truth?

DUE SECOND CLASS THURS-FRI (19th-20th):

Read Chapter One of your textbook, Lies My Teacher Told Me (PDF is attached below).

  

Also, in a typed paper, 12pt font and double spaced.  I want you to pick one of your own heroes in American History.  In no less thanFIVE sentences, and no more than EIGHT sentences, explain to me why they are your hero.  Additionally, I want one fact about that hero that is controversial, or otherwise a negative action or trait that your hero has done.  YOU CANNOT USE HELEN KELLER OR WOODROW WILSON, as they are written about in that chapter.  

To use Woodrow Wilson as an example:

I would talk about his expansion of presidential powers in international affairs, or his powerful influence while in Europe during the treaty organizing after WWI.  But one controversy or negative trait about him, I would write about his racist policies.

If there is no class assigned for Thursday or Friday, you are to give me your typed paper assignment in my office, or slide it under the door.  ANY ASSIGNMENT NOT IN MY HAND OR SLID UNDER MY OFFICE DOOR BY 2PM THURSDAY, WILL BE CONSIDERED LATE.  POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED PER DAY THAT IT IS LATE.

TO REPEAT: IF CLASSES ARE ASSIGNED FOR THURSDAY OR FRIDAY, YOU ARE TO BRING IT TO CLASS TO HAND IT IN.  HOWEVER< IF THERE ARE NOT ANY CLASSES ASSIGNED, YOU MUST BRING IT TO MY OFFICE BY 2PM THURSDAY.

Classroom Debate Format

Classroom Debate:

The class will divided into separate groups based upon the assigned opinions on the topic issue up for debate.

Debates will be a safe and respectful environment.  As it is the purpose of debates to have opposing opinions, it is very important to keep an open mind.  Rude behavior will not be tolerated.

Each group must select:

1.     Group Leader

·      The group leader’s function is to keep the group on task and lead the discussion during the planning stages.  They are responsible for requiring that all members of the group are actively participating.

2.     Group Presenter

·      The group presenter is responsible for stating the case for the group’s opinion on the issue up for debate during the opening statements.  They should be using the notes provided to them by the note-taker.

3.     Group Rebuttal Presenter

·      The group rebuttal presenter is responsible for presenting the case for the group’s opinion on the issue currently being debated during the rebuttal stage.

4.     Group Note-taker

·      The group note-taker is responsible for taking notes on the discussion in the group during the planning stage, with the notes then being used by group presenter during the opening statements.  The note-taker then must take notes on the opposing group’s opening statements, to provide notes for their own group’s rebuttal presenter.

Debate Format:  25 minutes total

1.     Group organization- 3 minutes

·      Students will organize themselves into their groups and then select a Group Leader, Presenter, Rebuttal Presenter, and Note-taker.  The leader is responsible for compiling a roster of the group members.

2.     Group Planning- 10 minutes

·      The group leader will lead his/her group in planning the best cases to put forth in the debate.  The leader must make sure to include all group-mates, and the note-taker is responsible for taking notes and organizing them for the presenter.

3.     Opening Statements- 3 minutes each

·      The respective group presenters will make their opening statements, using the notes provided by the note-takers.  The note-takers wills compile notes on the opposing presenter’s argument to provide the rebuttal presenter with a cohesive argument.

4.     Group Conference- 1 minute

·      The group leader and note-taker will conference with the rebuttal presenter, with the aid of their fellow group members, to compile a sound rebuttal to the opposing group’s argument.

5.     Rebuttals- 2 minutes each

·      The rebuttal presenter will give the group’s rebuttal against the opposing group.  THE TIME ALLOTMENT IS SHORTER.

6.     Decision- 1 minute

·      The teacher, or a jury of peers, will weigh judgment on the debate.  The winning group will be awarded points to be added to their grades.

Current Events Homework Template and Example

Current Events (Due on the 2^nd class)

Typed, printed, and stapled, and due at the beginning of class.

Format

Sources: (Total of 4 articles and 4 CE reports)

1) CNN (select 2 articles)

Site: www.cnn.com

            a) Select one article from the “Politics” Section

            b) Select one article from the “World” Section

2) NY Times (Op-Ed section): (select 1 article)

Site: http://www.nytimes.com/pages/opinion/index.html

        Click on the “Columnists” tab on the left side

·         Select one article from either Paul Krugman, 

      David Brooks, Thomas Friedman, or Nicholas Kristof

 (Op-Ed articles are opinion pieces, so expect their writers to have biases)

3) The Nation (select 1 article) – MAKE SURE THAT YOU CREATE AN ACCOUNT

Site: www.thenation.com

·         Select an article from one of the following categories: “Home,” “Politics,”  “Economy,” or “Food Issue”

                   **You need to create an account (which is free) to gain access to all of their articles.**

*Articles should be recent:

For CNN and The Nation, select articles written within the last week

For the NY Times Op-Ed articles, select articles within the last three weeks

                                                                                                                  

Please use the following template:

1. Title, date, and site web link:

2. Who are the people / places discussed in the article?

3. What is the main idea of the article?

4. When did the event occur or is it ongoing?

5. Identify at least one question you have after reading the article?  (For example, you might write, “Why is unemployment so high?”)

Summary in your own words: (A minimum of 6 sentences, but no more than 2 paragraphs)

In your summary answer the following questions:

        Why did you select the article?

        What are the key points?

        Is the author biased? What are their opinions, judgments, critiques?

        Do you agree or disagree with any of their arguments?  What are your opinions?

        Does it relate to other events?

* * *  When you quote directly from the article, make sure to use quotations marks (“…”.  

For example,

 Thomas Friedman suggests that “America’s credit-driven capitalist model has suffered a warning heart attack and needs a total rethink.”

Below is a good example of student work. This is quality I expect for every current event analysis and summary. 

1. Make sure that you re-read your work, correct spelling and grammatical errors, and submit college level work.

2. Your summaries should be at least 6-8 sentences, which are analytical and address specific elements of the article. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The title of the article is: “CNNPoll: Social Security Needs Changes, But It’s Not a Failure”, which was written on September  13, 2011 on:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/09/13/cnn.poll.social.security/index.html?iref=allsearch

2. The people discussed in the article include: Rick Perry (Governor of Texas), Mitt Romney (Former Governor of Massachusetts),and Keating Holland (Poll Direction for CNN). The issue was taking place withinthe poll ratings on CNN which led to a heated debate between the two governors.

3. The main idea of the article is: although the social security issue arises controversy among the people, the younger generation is more prone to call for a new, more modern system, as they become more alienated from the traditional American ways.

4. The poll ratings and the debate between Romney and Perry regarding the Social Security controversy occurred on September 13, 2011.

5. If the Social Security system will be altered, will the federal government create tax reductions?

Summary

I selected this article because many people are not content with the idea of additional taxation. The key points of this article are introduced by Perry, who referred to Social Security as the “Ponzi Scheme” and Romney who was protecting the program as it is the way for seniors to be protected by the government. Keating Holland brought up a significant point about our generation. Because the United States is undergoing rapid industrial changes, the younger generation is automatically more prone for the changes and creation of new programs for the future.

The author sticks to the objective side as he is more of a mediator exposing all sides of the argument. I agree with the opinion that the Social Security program should be altered so that hard-working middle class families will not have to pay so many taxes to the federal government. This directly relates to today’s world, as Democrats and Republicans are in the midst of the heated debate about taxation and its effect on the lower, middle, and upper members of the society.

Course Syllabus

“The American Experiment and the Globalized World”

Instructor: Bradley Highfield                                                                               Semester: Fall 2013

Office: Hunter East-Library Room 108                                               Class Time and Location: TBD

Email: BHighfield.MHS@gmail.com           http://mhshs-2013-14-historyhmwk.blogspot.com

I.               Course Description

This course will be exploring the concept of the “American Experiment” in political, cultural, and societal schemas; while inspecting the role of the United States in the connective Globalized World.  Reshaping history through a critical lens, we will examine the foundations of the American Democratic Process, deconstruct the structures of capitalism, compare and contrast the topics of revolution and reform—while dissecting the societal frameworks of the American Dream, assimilation, and social power structures, as well.  This course is designed to study the various ways in which people participate in politics in the past and today, especially is respect to public opinion, elections, interest groups, and parties.  By the end of this course, you will have a well-informed opinion of critical issues facing the United States, as well as other socio-political and economic issues facing other nations across the globe.

II.             Requirements

You are required to have a Gmail account to communicate and receive emails with your teachers.  This account will also allow connection to Google Drive, where homework and lessons can and will be posted throughout the year.  It is also required that this syllabus and your daily schedule be in your possession while at school.  And a notebook and folder, specific for this class, is brought everyday as well.  Electronic devices are prohibited from use and therefore should not be visible during class, and must be turned off, unless directed otherwise by the teacher.  Laptops are also prohibited, unless a necessity is demonstrated, and will be decided by the teacher on a case by case scenario before class.

A flash drive is highly recommended, as you will need it to save and transfer your work to other computers.

III.           Grading Policy

**This is subject to change by teacher discretion, and you will be notified in advance.**

Attendance and Class Participation:               15%

Tests/Quizzes:                                                15%

Current Events:                                               20%

Final Project Assignments:                             20%

Final Project:                                                   30%

IV.           Attendance Policy

More than two unexcused absences will result in a reduction of the Attendance Grade. Two occurrences of lateness will equal one absence (lateness will be defined as an arrival after the attendance has been taken).

V.             Academic Integrity Policy

Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty.  The College is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.

Students suspected of a violation of the college policy on academic integrity risk failure of the assignment, or even failure in the course.

 

VI.           Accommodation

Office of AccessABILITY is located in Hunter East Room 1214B, where enhanced educational needs may be met for students with disabilities.

http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/studentservices/access

Office of Health Services is located in Hunter North Room 307 for any health concerns, primary care, first aid, and/or disease prevention.   

http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/studentservices/counseling-and-wellness/wellness

The Reading/Writing Center is highly recommended for use and is available for all students, and it can be found the Thomas Hunter building-Room 416 (just past the ICIT desks in the hallway.   

http://rwc.hunter.cuny.edu/index.html

Printing stations can be found on the Fourth Floor of the library, as well as, any computer lab on the campus will have printing capabilities.

VII.         Assignments

Assignments are to be handed in on time at the beginning of the class that they are due.  Lateness will be penalized by point deductions for every school day they are overdue.  There will be a “Current Events” weekly assignment due at the beginning of the second class of every week.  The assignment requirements and template can be found below.

There will also be a research paper due at the end of the fall semester, the details will be provided later.

Current Events (Due on the 2^nd class)

Typed, printed, and stapled, and due at the beginning of class.

Format

Sources: (Total of 4 articles and 4 CE reports)

1) CNN (select 2 articles)

Site: www.cnn.com

            a) Select one article from the “Politics” Section

            b) Select one article from the “World” Section

2) NY Times (Op-Ed section): (select 1 article)

Site: http://www.nytimes.com/pages/opinion/index.html

        Click on the “Columnists” tab on the left side

·         Select one article from either Paul Krugman, 

      David Brooks, Thomas Friedman, or Nicholas Kristof

 (Op-Ed articles are opinion pieces, so expect their writers to have biases)

3) The Nation (select 1 article) – MAKE SURE THAT YOU CREATE AN ACCOUNT

Site: www.thenation.com

·         Select an article from one of the following categories: “Home,” “Politics,”  “Economy,” or “Food Issue”

                   **You need to create an account (which is free) to gain access to all of their articles.**

*Articles should be recent:

For CNN and The Nation, select articles written within the last week

For the NY Times Op-Ed articles, select articles within the last three weeks

                                                                                                                  

Please use the following template:

1. Title, date, and site web link:

2. Who are the people / places discussed in the article?

3. What is the main idea of the article?

4. When did the event occur or is it ongoing?

5. Identify at least one question you have after reading the article?  (For example, you might write, “Why is unemployment so high?”)

Summary in your own words: (A minimum of 6 sentences, but no more than 2 paragraphs)

In your summary answer the following questions:

        Why did you select the article?

        What are the key points?

        Is the author biased? What are their opinions, judgments, critiques?

        Do you agree or disagree with any of their arguments?  What are your opinions?

        Does it relate to other events?

* * *  When you quote directly from the article, make sure to use quotations marks (“…”.  

For example,

 Thomas Friedman suggests that “America’s credit-driven capitalist model has suffered a warning heart attack and needs a total rethink.”

Below is a good example of student work. This is quality I expect for every current event analysis and summary. 

1. Make sure that you re-read your work, correct spelling and grammatical errors, and submit college level work.

2. Your summaries should be at least 6-8 sentences, which are analytical and address specific elements of the article. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The title of the article is: “CNNPoll: Social Security Needs Changes, But It’s Not a Failure”, which was written on September  13, 2011 on:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/09/13/cnn.poll.social.security/index.html?iref=allsearch

2. The people discussed in the article include: Rick Perry (Governor of Texas), Mitt Romney (Former Governor of Massachusetts),and Keating Holland (Poll Direction for CNN). The issue was taking place withinthe poll ratings on CNN which led to a heated debate between the two governors.

3. The main idea of the article is: although the social security issue arises controversy among the people, the younger generation is more prone to call for a new, more modern system, as they become more alienated from the traditional American ways.

4. The poll ratings and the debate between Romney and Perry regarding the Social Security controversy occurred on September 13, 2011.

5. If the Social Security system will be altered, will the federal government create tax reductions?

Summary

I selected this article because many people are not content with the idea of additional taxation. The key points of this article are introduced by Perry, who referred to Social Security as the “Ponzi Scheme” and Romney who was protecting the program as it is the way for seniors to be protected by the government. Keating Holland brought up a significant point about our generation. Because the United States is undergoing rapid industrial changes, the younger generation is automatically more prone for the changes and creation of new programs for the future.

The author sticks to the objective side as he is more of a mediator exposing all sides of the argument. I agree with the opinion that the Social Security program should be altered so that hard-working middle class families will not have to pay so many taxes to the federal government. This directly relates to today’s world, as Democrats and Republicans are in the midst of the heated debate about taxation and its effect on the lower, middle, and upper members of the society.